Construction of a Bridge over the Oubangui River
USD 215.00M
Total Cost
37.5%
Progress
4
Stakeholders
2
Countries
Pre-Feasibility
Project Stage
Project Overview
Construction of a bridge over the Oubangui River to connect the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR), including development of missing links in the Bangui-Kisangani-Kampala and Kisangani-Bujumbura road corridors, and implementation of transport and trade facilitation measures.
Key Objectives
Establish a permanent river crossing between CAR and DRC to replace current ferry operations; improve regional connectivity along the Bangui-Kisangani-Kampala and Kisangani-Bujumbura corridors; reduce transit times and transportation costs for cross-border trade; improve reliability of transport connections that are currently disrupted during rainy seasons; enhance regional integration within the ECCAS region; facilitate trade through improved border crossing procedures.
Strategic Importance
This bridge project represents a critical missing link in Central Africa's regional transport network, connecting countries that have historically suffered from poor infrastructure and political instability.
Technical Specifications
Technology: The project will employ bridge design appropriate for the specific conditions of the Oubangui River, with consideration for water level variations and vessel navigation requirements.
Capacity: Bridge length approximately 800 meters with 2-lane carriageway; design capacity for 500 vehicles dai...
Capacity: Bridge length approximately 800 meters with 2-lane carriageway; design capacity for 500 vehicles dai...
Financing Structure
The project will be financed primarily through development partner grants and concessional loans due to the fragile context, with: multilateral development bank financing (AfDB, World Bank); bilateral development finance institutions; humanitarian-development-peace nexus funding mechanisms; and limited government contributions from participating countries.
Market Analysis
The Oubangui River currently represents a major barrier to regional trade and mobility, with unreliable ferry services causing delays of 1-3 days during normal conditions and complete service disruptions during high water periods.
Investment Opportunities
Limited private sector opportunities due to fragile context, but potential exists in: performance-based maintenance contracts; border facility operations; logistics services near bridge approaches; and construction subcontracting with appropriate risk management frameworks.
Key Stakeholders
Sponsor: ECCAS Secretariat with national implementation units in DRC and CAR
Partners: Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (CAR), Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works (DRC), E...
Partners: Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (CAR), Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works (DRC), E...
For More Information, Contact:
Christelle Onana
christellen@auda-nepad.org
Bernard Brian Cudjoe
bernardc@auda-nepad.org
www.au-pida.org
Christelle Onana
christellen@auda-nepad.org
Bernard Brian Cudjoe
bernardc@auda-nepad.org
www.au-pida.org